Abstract The objective of this work was to select sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) genotypes with leaves with potential to be used for human consumption. Twenty-six experimental genotypes and four commercial cultivars were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replicates and ten plants per plot. The trial was carried out in the municipality of Lavras, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Leaf shape and lobe, aerial-part yield, edible-leaf yield, edible-leaf percentage, edible-leaf dry mass, and latex production, as well as leaf total chlorophyll, pH, soluble solids contents, titratable acidity, total phenolic compounds, and anthocyanin contents, were evaluated. Roots were characterized as to their pulp and peel colors. Fifteen genotypes presented the highest aerial-part (29.6 to 51.8 Mg ha-1) and edible leaf (7.8 to 12.7 Mg ha-1) yields. In the biochemical analysis, high contents of chlorophyll, total phenolics, and anthocyanins were observed. In addition, pH, soluble solids, and leaf titratable acidity did not differ significantly among the evaluated genotypes. Leaves of ten genotypes are recommended for human consumption.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar genótipos de batata-doce (Ipomoea batatas) com folhas com potencial para serem usadas para consumo humano. Vinte e seis genótipos experimentais e quatro cultivares comerciais foram testados em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições e dez plantas por parcela. O ensaio foi realizado no município de Lavras, no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram avaliados formato e lóbulo da folha, produção da parte aérea, produção de folhas comestíveis, percentagem de folha comestível, massa seca de folha comestível e produção de látex, bem como clorofila total, pH, conteúdo de sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, compostos fenólicos totais e teor de antocianinas das folhas. As raízes foram caracterizadas quanto às cores da sua polpa e casca. Quinze genótipos apresentaram as maiores produtividades de parte aérea (29,6 a 51,8 Mg ha-1) e de folhas comestíveis (7,8 a 12,7 Mg ha-1). Nas análises bioquímicas, foram observados altos teores de clorofila, compostos fenólicos totais e antocianinas. Além disso, pH, sólidos solúveis e acidez titulável foliar não diferiram significativamente entre os genótipos avaliados. As folhas de dez genótipos são recomendadas para alimentação humana.

Abstract This study evaluated the impact of processing, packages (amber and transparent glass jars), and storage time on the stability of the bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds and vitamin C), and antioxidant activity of mangaba jelly. Jelly processing, significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The storage time, significantly (p < 0.05) influenced all the variables studied in this work, although they were not affected by packages. A significant decrease of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity was observed during the jelly storage. HPLC-DAD/UV-Vis analyses allowed to identify 10 phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and non-flavonoids, and among these, quercetin and catechin were the major compounds. After processing, all these compounds decreased significantly (p < 0.05), except for the gallic acid and the p-coumaric acid, which presented an increasing tendency. During jelly storage, only gallic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, and rutin were affected. Despite the reduction in the antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds studied, mangaba jelly retained good levels of them and may be considered a potential novel functional food.

Abstract The guapeva (Pouteria cf. gardneriana Radlk.) is a Brazilian fruit that belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is considered a source of natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds; Thus, the objective of this work was to investigate the use of guapeva in the form of jam stored at different temperatures (25 °C and 35 °C) and to evaluate the degradation kinetics regarding the physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds, and volatile profile, during the storage period of 150 days, in low-density polypropylene packaging’s. The stored jams were mainly influenced by the storage time variable, with significant reductions in titratable acidity, pH, color, vitamin C, carotenoids, ABTS●+, DPPH, and volatile profile. The temperatures studied were not able to significantly affect the shelf life determined for the jams; however, the best temperature for storage stability of the guapeva jams was 25 °C since the most significant degradation of the compounds occurs with the use of 35 °C. The correlation between time and temperature had no significant effect on carotenoid content.

Abstract The use of unconventional edible plants in human food has grown more widespread in recent years, driven mainly by gourmet dishes. Evidence of the food properties of these species is still scarce. Aiming to obtain more in-depth knowledge of dahlia plants, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional, bioactive, and antinutritional properties of the edible parts of purple dahlia (tuberous root and flower) to elucidate their value and safety as foods. The percent composition, caloric value, pH, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Total Titratable Acidity (TTA), ratio of TSS to TTA, anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamin C, total phenolics, tannins, nitrates, and minerals of the roots and flowers were analyzed. The inulin content in the root and the color of the flower were also evaluated. The results were reported as mean and standard deviation, and exploratory factor analysis was performed. Both parts of the dahlia had constituents that contribute to a good diet at concentrations like those in conventional vegetables, whereas the antinutritional components were also compatible with those of commonly consumed foods, with acceptable dietary values. Thus, it is evident that purple dahlia flowers and roots have potential for use in human food and can be considered good options to improve and diversify a healthy diet.

Resumo A utilização de plantas alimentícias não convencionais na alimentação humana tem crescido nos últimos anos, impulsionada principalmente pelos pratos gourmet. Entretanto, estudos comprovando as propriedades alimentícias destas espécies ainda são incipientes. Sendo assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar as propriedades nutricionais, bioativas e antinutricionais das partes comestíveis da dália roxa (raiz tuberosa e flor), para elucidar seu potencial e a segurança no seu consumo. Foram, dessa forma, analisados: composição centesimal, valor calórico, pH, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez total titulável, ratio, antocianinas, carotenoides, vitamina C, fenólicos totais, taninos, nitratos e minerais para a raiz e a flor, além da avaliação do teor de inulina na raiz. Os resultados foram analisados pelas médias e desvio padrão, e foi realizada a análise fatorial exploratória. Ambas as partes avaliadas possuem constituintes requeridos para uma boa alimentação em concentrações semelhantes às das hortaliças convencionais, enquanto os componentes antinutricionais também são compatíveis aos de alimentos comumente consumidos, com valores aceitáveis na alimentação. Desse modo, é evidenciado que flor e raiz de dália roxa apresentam potencial para uso na alimentação humana, podendo ser consideradas como boas opções para incrementar e diversificar uma dieta saudável.

Abstract The objective herein was to evaluate the effect of processing, packaging type (with and without exposure to light) and storage time on the quality of functional attributes of jelly prepared from curriola pulp. The experimental design was a completely randomized 2 × 5 factorial design, with two levels of packaging (transparent and amber) and five storage periods (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months). In general, the processing of curriola pulp determined a slight increase in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity and a reduction in vitamin C content of freshly prepared jelly. The amber package and storage time promoted higher retention of bioactive compounds, mainly gallic acid, besides reducing the percentage of jelly oxidation, determined by the β-carotene / linoleic acid antioxidant method. A reduction in phenolic compounds and vitamin C was observed, which caused a reduction in the antioxidant capacity of curriola jelly. Of the five phenolic compounds identified in freshly prepared curriola jelly, gallic acid was identified as the major compound. In addition, the use of amber packaging, which prevents the incidence of light, may favor the maintenance of bioactive compounds during storage period of curriola jelly under environmental conditions.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of thermal vacuum processing and thermal processing without vacuum on the content of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of low-calorie mixed Brazilian cerrado fruit jam. The mixed jam consisted of 60% of mixed pulp of Marolo, soursop and sweet passion fruit, and 40% other ingredients. This jam was utilized a completely randomized design to evaluate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic profile and content, carotenoid profile, and ascorbic acid content. The results showed that there was a reduction in bioactive compounds in the jam of 44.37% for total phenolics, 50.56% for ascorbic acid, 78.40% total carotenoids, and 65.14% for antioxidant activity when compared with the mixed pulps. In the carotenoid profile, reduction was observed for all compounds in relation to the mixed pulps, especially β-carotene (average loss of 81.89%). Independent of the processing, there was a significant increase in m-coumaric acid in the jam compared with the mixed pulp. The concentrations of other phenolic compounds decreased after processing. These results suggest that thermal vacuum processing is most suitable for the production of jam with higher nutritional value.

Resumo Cruá vermelho é um fruto aromático ainda pouco conhecido, originário da América Tropical, provavelmente do Brasil. É utilizado para fins alimentar, medicinal, repelente de insetos e aromatização de ambientes. Pouco se sabe acerca de suas características nutricionais. Diante do exposto, o presente trabalho visou realizar a caracterização física, físico-química e nutricional do fruto cruá vermelho. Os frutos foram caracterizados quanto a composição centesimal, pH, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), cálculo da ingestão diária recomendada (IDR), antocianinas, carotenoides totais, vitamina C e atividade antioxidante da polpa. A estabilidade dos carotenoides, da vitamina C e da cor dos frutos foi acompanhada durante 21 dias de armazenamento sob congelamento a -18 °C. Os carotenoides, a vitamina C e a cor do fruto foram afetados pelo congelamento durante o armazenamento. O fruto apresenta características apreciáveis do ponto de vista nutricional e funcional, uma vez que o consumo diário de 100 g de sua polpa fornece uma apreciável fração de nutrientes recomendados para ingestão diária por um indivíduo adulto. O fruto apresenta um baixo valor calórico, fato interessante para preparações dietéticas, além de apresentar capacidade antioxidante e compostos fitoquímicos de interesse para a saúde humana, como carotenoides e antocianinas. Em relação à preservação dos compostos bioativos apresentados pelo fruto, verificou-se que o congelamento não foi eficaz para a preservação de carotenoides e vitamina C. Diante de todas as características apresentadas, cruá vermelho se apresenta como uma excelente alternativa para inclusão na alimentação humana.

Abstract Musk cucumber (Sicana odorifera Naudin) is a still little-known aromatic fruit native of Tropical America, probably Brazil. It is used as food and insect repellent, for medicinal purposes, and to flavor environments. Little is known about its nutritional characteristics. In this context, this study aimed to perform the physical, physicochemical and nutritional characterization of musk cucumber. The fruits were characterized according to their chemical composition, pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), recommended daily intake (RDI), anthocyanins, total carotenoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity of the pulp. The stability of carotenoids, vitamin C, and fruit color was monitored for 21 days of frozen storage (-18 °C). Carotenoids, vitamin C, and fruit color were affected by freezing during storage. The fruit has appreciable characteristics from a nutritional and functional point of view, since the daily consumption of 100 g of its pulp provides a significant fraction of nutrients recommended for daily intake by an adult. The fruit presents low caloric value - an interesting fact for dietary preparations, in addition to having antioxidant capacity and phytochemicals of interest to human health, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins. Regarding the bioactive compounds present in the fruit, it was found that freezing was not effective to preserve carotenoids and vitamin C. Given all the characteristics presented, musk cucumber is an excellent alternative for inclusion in human diet.

Abstract The objective of this study was to prepare a jelly with the pulp of curriola as raw material and evaluate the effect of processing, type of glass packaging (transparent and amber) and storage time on the quality of the jelly by means of physical (color), chemical (proximal composition, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH), microbiological (coliforms at 35 °C and 45 °C, filamentous fungi and Salmonella sp.) and sensorial analyses (sensory acceptance and purchase intent). For this, the raw material and the freshly prepared jelly were compared and a completely randomized design in factorial 2 x 5 was used. There were two levels of light exposure (transparent packaging and amber packaging) and five storage times (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months), with four replicates. Processing affected all physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the freshly prepared jelly. Between the two factors studied, only the storage time significantly influenced the jelly quality, except protein, ash, dietary fiber content and taste and purchase intention. According to the microbiological analysis, the product is within the legislated recommendations. It was well accepted sensorially and can be kept under ambient conditions and still maintain its durability for up to twelve months.

Resumo Compostos fenólicos são antioxidantes naturais e podem ser encontrados com abundância em frutas e hortaliças. Um dos primeiros métodos criados para análise de compostos fenólicos foi o método Folin-Denis; posteriormente, foi criado o método Folin Ciocalteu e um dos mais recentes é o método Fast Blue. Pela importância desses compostos nos alimentos, este trabalho teve o objetivo principal de determinar os compostos fenólicos totais em três frutas: maracujá, manga e laranja, por três diferentes métodos de determinação. Além disso, foram avaliados o teor de vitamina C, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável e pH dessas frutas. Diante dos resultados, verificou-se que não houve diferença nos valores de vitamina C, sólidos solúveis e acidez titulável em relação aos valores encontrados na literatura. Ao comparar os três métodos (Fast Blue BB, Folin Ciocalteu e Folin-Denis), verificou-se diferença nos teores de compostos fenólicos, que pode estar relacionada com os distintos reagentes utilizados em cada método e seus vários modos de ação.

Abstract Phenolic compounds are natural antioxidants and can be found with abundance in fruits and vegetables. One of the first methods created for analyzing phenolic compounds was the Folin-Denis method; and hereafter, the Folin Ciocalteu method was developed and recently, one of the most recent method is the Fast Blue. Due to the importance of these compounds in food, this work aimed to determine the total phenolic compounds in three fruits, such as: Passion Fruit, “Palmer” mango and “Pera” orange. In addition, these fruits were analyzed through three different determination methods. Furthermore, the content of vitamin C, soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH of these fruits were evaluated. Based on the results, it was verified that there was no difference among the values of vitamin C, soluble solids and TA in relation to those found in the literature. When comparing the three methods (Fast Blue BB, Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent and Folin-Denis Reagent), the results showed a difference in the phenolic compounds that may be related to the distinct reagents used in each method and its different action.

RESUMO A Mangaba, fruto exótico do cerrado brasileiro, é muito apreciada por suas características sensoriais peculiares. Aqui, objetivamos avaliar o perfil sensorial da polpa de mangaba submetida a três tratamentos (polpas não pasteurizadas e pasteurizadas; congeladas por ar estático e ar forçado; armazenadas congeladas por zero, 4, 8 e 12 meses). Foram aplicados os seguintes testes sensoriais: dominância temporal das sensações (TDS) (identificar sensações dominantes do sabor ao longo do tempo de consumo), escala ideal (identificar a concentração ideal de sacarose a ser adicionada ao néctar) e teste de aceitação (avaliar o efeito dos tratamentos na aceitação do consumidor). O TDS, identificou o gosto ácido na maioria dos tratamentos, combinado com a identificação de um sabor ruim na maioria das polpas a partir de 8 meses de armazenamento congelado. A escala ideal determinou que 87,8 g / L de sacarose seja adicionada ao néctar de mangaba. Os métodos de congelamentos não influenciaram a aceitação das polpas. A pasteurização favorece maior aceitação da polpa de mangaba por até 8 meses, no entanto, aos 12 meses de armazenamento, os tratamentos ainda apresentam boa aceitação sensorial.

ABSTRACT The Mangaba, an exotic fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado, is very appreciated for its peculiar sensory characteristics. Here we aimed to evaluate the sensory profile of mangaba pulp subjected to three treatments (unpasteurized and pasteurized pulps; frozen by static air and forced air; stored frozen for zero, 4, 8 and 12 months). The following sensory tests were applied: temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) (identify and check the dominant sensations of flavor over time of consumption), ideal scale (identify optimal concentration of sucrose to be added in nectar) and acceptance test (to evaluate the effect of treatments on consumer acceptance). By TDS analyses, a sour taste was reported for most treatments, combined with the identification of a bad flavor in most pulps from 8 months of frozen storage. The ideal scale determined that 87.8 g/L sucrose should be added to the mangaba nectar. The frozen methods by static air or forced air did not significantly influence the sensory acceptance of the mangaba pulp. Pasteurization favors high mangaba pulp acceptance for up to 8 months, however, by 12 months of storage, treatments still have good sensory acceptance.

Abstract The wild native species of the Brazilian savannah have attractive flavors and nutritive compounds. Among the Combretaceaes genus, the Buchenavia tomentosa Eichler plays an important role in popular medicine, however, little is known about its chemical composition. Thus, in order to a chemical-biological prospection in fruits of the Tocantins savannah, the aim of this work was to characterize the B. tomentosa fruits collected in the central and southern regions of Tocantins State, about some of its physical, physical-chemical and biochemical properties. The fruits, for this study, were collected in two regions (Palmas and Gurupi) in Tocantins State and analyzed in the parameters: coloration, centesimal composition, pectin, soluble solids, pH and acidity, vitamin C content and phenolic compounds. The study obtained results demonstrate that the fruits are of a light yellow color, are acidic, have high values of °Brix and glycidic fraction (carbohydrates). However, the high levels of vitamin C (1.26 to 3.57 g ascorbic acid per 100 g of pulp) and phenolic compounds (2.93 to 4.20 g GAE 100 g-1) are noteworthy. This study evidences a great nutritional potential for the fruits of B. tomentosa.